Helping Children Build Confidence, Independence, and Success
Every child can learn.
Trust in our combined experience and love of teaching!
About SquarePeg1
Our Approach
Dr. Christine Claitor
Our Approach
At SquarePeg1, we believe in a holistic approach that addresses not only a child's academic needs but also their social and emotional well-being. We work closely with families and other professionals to create a comprehensive plan that meets the unique needs of each child.
Our Services
Dr. Christine Claitor
Our Approach
We offer a range of programs, including early intervention, preschool, through college and transition services. Each program is designed to meet the unique needs of each child and help them reach their full potential.
Dr. Christine Claitor
Dr. Christine Claitor
Dr. Christine Claitor
Dr. Christine Claitor is a passionate educator who focuses on supporting learners in reaching their full potential. For nearly 20 years, I have helped children who learn differently discover their strengths and reach their potential.
Our Approach
Are we the right team for your child?
Dr. Christine Claitor
We take a collaborative and evidence-based approach to special education, working closely with families and educators to develop individualized plans that are tailored to each child's unique needs and strengths. We use a variety of strategies and techniques to support learning and promote positive behavior, and we are constantly evaluatin
We take a collaborative and evidence-based approach to special education, working closely with families and educators to develop individualized plans that are tailored to each child's unique needs and strengths. We use a variety of strategies and techniques to support learning and promote positive behavior, and we are constantly evaluating and adjusting our methods to ensure that we are providing the most effective support possible.
Are we the right team for your child?
Are we the right team for your child?
Are we the right team for your child?
Does any of this sound familiar?
✓ Bright but struggling in school
✓ Constantly frustrated with homework
✓ Avoiding reading
✓ Falling behind despite trying hard
✓ Having emotional meltdowns after school
✓ Forgetting assignments or not turning them in
✓ Confidence has vanished
✓ Receiving calls from school
✓ Newly diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Dysle
Does any of this sound familiar?
✓ Bright but struggling in school
✓ Constantly frustrated with homework
✓ Avoiding reading
✓ Falling behind despite trying hard
✓ Having emotional meltdowns after school
✓ Forgetting assignments or not turning them in
✓ Confidence has vanished
✓ Receiving calls from school
✓ Newly diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, or another learning difference
We’re here to help. Let us support you and your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are we the right team for your child?
Are we the right team for your child?
Families always ask:
How long are sessions?
- Session lengths vary based on the learner's needs. Typically, we begin with one-hour sessions but can go as long as three hours. The length of the session is decided upon prior to starting.
Do parents stay?
- Parents are welcome to stay. It depends on what your child feels most comfortable with. We w
Families always ask:
How long are sessions?
- Session lengths vary based on the learner's needs. Typically, we begin with one-hour sessions but can go as long as three hours. The length of the session is decided upon prior to starting.
Do parents stay?
- Parents are welcome to stay. It depends on what your child feels most comfortable with. We will discuss this before meeting, so we know.
How often should we meet?
- I always suggest meeting at least twice per week. This helps build the relationship and provide the supports. Once the learner is in their groove and showing they need less support, we can cut back on sessions.
Do you communicate with teachers?
- Absolutely, once parents provide approval and connect us to the teachers. We will always copy parents on communications with teachers.
Can you attend IEP/504 meetings?
- Yes! We are here to help and ease any worries about these meetings. We will walk you through the process, review the IEP or 504 plan with you, and answer any questions that may arise.
Do you work virtually?
- Yes! We can work virtually with families. We use Zoom to hold sessions with learners or parents.
What ages do you work with?
- We work with learners from preschool through college.
How quickly should we expect progress?
- Progress varies for each learner. Progress can range from simple “light bulb” moments to being “fully independent”. We will always communicate how the learner is doing and if we think adjustments are needed.
Why Pick SquarePeg
Why Pick SquarePeg
Why Pick SquarePeg
- 20 years of experience supporting students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, emotional and behavioral needs, learning disabilities, and giftedness. I use individualized, evidence-based instruction to support each learner.
- With a doctorate and classroom experience, I bring both research and practical strategies
- 20 years of experience supporting students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, emotional and behavioral needs, learning disabilities, and giftedness. I use individualized, evidence-based instruction to support each learner.
- With a doctorate and classroom experience, I bring both research and practical strategies to families. I focus on solutions families can use right away.
- I offer strengths-based, individualized support because I know every child learns in their own way. Instead of forcing children into a single mold, I create personalized plans that leverage their strengths and address their needs.
- I am a collaborative partner and advocate for families. I work with the whole team to ensure children receive constant support at home, in school, and in the community. I also help families navigate IEP meetings and educational planning.
- Whole-child approach. Success starts with confidence, strong relationships, emotional well-being, and executive functioning. I support learning through teaching self-regulation, organization, motivation, and independence.
- I understand what it’s like. I’ve struggled myself with schooling. I’ve felt how hard it can be to struggle in school. I’m passionate about helping children feel understood, capable, and ready to succeed.
Supports
Why Pick SquarePeg
Why Pick SquarePeg
Academic Support
Executive Functioning
Special Education Support
Behavior and Social Skills
School Success Coaching
Parent Coaching
Professional Support for Educators
Meet Dr. Christine
Dr. Christine (Dr. C)
For almost 20 years, I have focused my career on helping children who learn differently find their strengths and reach their potential. My passion for this work started with my own experiences as a student. I had a hard time learning in traditional classrooms until one amazing teacher saw that I did not need to change. I just needed someone to teach me differently. That moment shaped my career.
Now, I am grateful to help children, families, and educators create learning experiences that respect each child's unique abilities.
I earned my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Behavioral Health from Grand Canyon University. I also have a Master’s in Education with a Special Education endorsement and a focus on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, as well as a Reading Endorsement from Portland State University. In addition, I have completed certifications in Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, executive functioning, sensory integration, behavior strategies, and family engagement.
During my career, I have worked as a special education teacher, educational consultant, university instructor, dissertation content expert, and founder of SquarePeg Educational Consulting. These roles have given me the chance to work with students of all ages, from preschool to adulthood. I have also worked closely with families, teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and school teams to create individualized plans that help children succeed.
"Whether your child is having a hard time with schoolwork, social situations, behavior, or just learns in a different way, I would love to help you see what is possible. Let's work together to create a plan."
Philosophy
Our Philosophy
I don't believe children are broken or unable to learn.
Every child can learn,
Not every child learns the same way. Discovering how a child learns best while teaching them how to overcome limitations reduces stress along with challenging behaviors, and measureably improves learning.
"What's wrong with this child?" It is sadly a question that is asked too often.
I choose to ask a different question:
"What obstacles are preventing this child from showing what they know?"
This question changes everything.
We begin to stop looking at the deficits but focus on the strengths. We stop looking at the labels and see the possibilities. We stop trying to manage behaviors and look to understand the whole child.
As an educator, my mission is to develop environments where the learners feel safe and understood. All while being challenged and empowered to try and succeed. Learning flourishes when the student experiences a sense of belonging and a sincere connection. Each interaction is an opportunity to build confidence, cultivate independence, and help learners recognize their own potential.
Each person we meet has their own story. Each person brings their own strengths, experiences, interests, and ways of thinking or learning. Instead of using cookie-cutter strategies, I adapt my instruction to fit the learners' needs. I do this by providing:
- Individualized strategies
- Hands-on learning
- Discussions
- Movement
- Collaboration
- Technology where appropriate
- Genuine connections
- Learning environments and experiences that are engaging, relevant, and responsive to learners' needs.
When we work with learners, it's not just about the academics. We recognize the learners need the following to be successful and learn:
- Executive functioning skills
- Emotional Self-Regulation
- Behavioral Supports (where/when needed)
- Motivation (Intrinsic and Extrinsic)
- Positive Relationships
- Self-Confidence
When we partner with families, educators, and related service providers, we strive to create consistent support across all learning communities. When we do this, the student can experience lasting success.
Parents are learners' foremost teachers. Not only is it my job to support the learner, but also to support and equip families with knowledge, practical strategies, and confidence as they advocate for their child's educational journey.
Trust, respect, and collaboration help build a relationship in which learning can take place. The most powerful outcomes occur when children know they are seen, heard, valued, and capable of success.
When I work with my learners, there are many goals in place. I’m not just looking at how to improve grades or behaviors. My goal is to assist learners in discovering who they are as a student and how they learn. My goal is to support learners in developing their confidence and supporting their ability to be independent. This allows the learner to flourish not only in a school setting, but beyond the school walls.
My true belief is that every child deserves an education that recognizes their strengths, honors their individuality, and inspires them to believe in what is possible.
My Promise to Families
I believe every child can learn. Every child has unique strengths, abilities, and ways of learning. When we understand how a child learns best, confidence grows, challenges become opportunities, and meaningful progress follows.
When you trust me with your child, I promise to:
- See your child's strengths before their struggles.
- Meet your child exactly where they are and help them grow from there.
- Create a safe, encouraging environment where mistakes are viewed as part of learning.
- Use research-based, individualized strategies—not one-size-fits-all approaches.
- Communicate openly, honestly, and consistently with your family.
- Partner with you as an essential member of your child's learning team.
- Advocate for your child with compassion, respect, and high expectations.
- Celebrate every milestone, because every step forward matters.
- Help your child build the confidence, independence, and skills they need to thrive—not just in school, but in life.
My mission is to help every child feel capable, understood, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential while giving families the knowledge and support they need every step of the way.
How we support your family
Build confidence: Helping your child believe in themselves and their abilities is foundational to their growth.
Strengthen executive functioning: Enhancing skills such as organization, time management, and self-regulation supports success in and out of the classroom.
Navigate special education: Guiding families through its complexities ensures your child receives the supports and services they need.
Reduce homework stress: Implementing strategies to make homework time less overwhelming leads to a more peaceful home environment.
Help your child thrive at school: Fostering a love of learning and building positive school experiences helps set your child on a path to long-term success.
